BBC ANNOUNCE SCHEDULE CHANGES TO EASTENDERS AND DOCTORS

EastEnders and Doctors will have new timeslots from Monday 7th March.

From Monday 7th March 2022:

• EastEnders will air Monday-Thursday air at 7:30pm on BBC One and iPlayer.

• Following its first broadcast on BBC One at lunchtime, episodes of Doctors will air weeknights at 7pm on BBC Two.

• The One Show remains at 7pm weeknights on BBC One.

BBC Studios’ continuing drama chief Kate Oates told the Mirror: "We’re delighted that, from 7th March, there will be new regular time slots for EastEnders on BBC1, and Doctors on BBC2. Both shows have a loyal following; and this new simplified schedule means it’s even easier for viewers to get their fix, as well as being able to watch whenever and wherever they choose on iPlayer...

"A 7pm time slot gives a whole new audience chance to enjoy the drama in Leatherbridge; while EastEnders’ new 7.30pm slot begins with a hugely exciting week, as killer Gray Atkins is finally exposed."

This announcement follows the news from ITV that it's extending the ITV Evening News to become an hour long show from 6:30pm GMT. From March, Emmerdale will air weeknights from 7:30pm, with Coronation Street airing Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 8pm with hour long episodes.

A source told The Mirror: "Bosses made the decision to change up the schedule when ITV made their announcement. In the past, if there was ever a clash between the soaps it was the audience who lost out, but viewers consume TV differently these days...

It’s no longer about the overnight ratings because they don’t reflect the true picture of who is tuning in. You only have to look at the numbers watching EastEnders on iPlayer, the figures are pretty incredible."

EastEnders is available on BBC iPlayer.